Inspection robots with a multi-function piston connecting a drive module to a central chassis

US11529735B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Gecko Robotics, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Edward A. Bryner · Pittsburgh, US
• Kevin Y. Low · Pittsburgh, US
• Joshua Moore · Pittsburgh, US
• Dillon R. Jourde · Pittsburgh, US
• Mark Cho · Pittsburgh, US
• Francesco H. Trogu · Pittsburgh, US
• Domenic P. Rodriguez · Pittsburgh, US
• Edwin H. Cho · Pittsburgh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 8, 2020
• Grant date: Dec 20, 2022
• Expiry date: Dec 5, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05D1/0038
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Inspection robots with a multi-function piston connecting a drive module to a central chassis and systems thereof are disclosed. An example inspection robot may include a center chassis coupled to a payload coupled to at least two inspection sensors. The inspection robot may further include a drive module coupled to the center chassis, the drive module having a drive wheel to engage an inspection surface and a drive piston mechanically interposed between the center chassis and the drive module. The example may further include wherein the drive piston in a first position couples the drive module to the center chassis at a minimum distance between and the drive piston in a second position couples the drive module to the center chassis at a maximum distance between. The example may further include wherein the drive module is independently rotatable relative to the center chassis.